Words: Tommy Parry
How do you modify an old C10 to handle the autocross as well as, if not better than, a Corvette? Well, it helps to have the skilled hands of Trent Summers, Jason Brady and Brad Coomer involved. Brady, being one of the more knowledgeable employees at Ridetech, brought his know-how to this project, and it shows.
Among some of the more interesting parts are a Winter quick-change rear, No Limit Engineering’s front crossmember and trailing arm kit and Ridetech triple-adjustable coilovers for all the roadholding any truck owner could want. Making the most of the suspension are custom Wide 5 wheels, measuring 18X11” in the front and 18X12” in the rear, all wrapped in Falken rubber.
These beefy additions to the Chevy’s footwork amount to a truck that is incredibly adjustable and suited to most road courses, autocrosses and even the drag strip – where it is able to cover the quarter-mile in 12 seconds flat.
Much of that straightline speed comes from the 3,000-pound body, the rear-mounted fuel cell and radiator assembly improving traction and the 500 horsepower made by the modern engine. The Cale Kern LS2, filled with Z06 internals and fed by a Holley 750 carburetor, sends its power to a Bowler 4L80E transmission with a manual valve body and air shifter.
To take full advantage of this thrust, the team employed plenty of tubular chassis braces, as well as a rollcage for the necessary rigidity. As you might imagine, the aging truck body would struggle under the mechanical grip and torque available without some stiffening assistance.
As it had to make a statement at local events, the three went through a series of cosmetic changes that are all pleasing to the eye. Though the original shade of Arctic White was able to turn plenty of heads, Brady decided on a coat of black down the road. The sinister paint scheme only helped his cause; shortly thereafter, he won the truck class at Goodguys Nashville.
It’s amazing what a few bright minds and the right shade of paint can do. For more on this gorgeous C10, you can visit its build thread here.
